The un-Apple: a healthier variety?
The Apple Watch may define connected smartwatch capabilities for many, but Android phone users have a svelter, more affordable alternative in the Galaxy Watch Active (also compatible with iOS).
It morphs from simple analog display to full-on fitness coach, with triple the workout routines, plus stress-level management and superior battery life per charge — at half the price of a top-rung Apple.
Available from Best Buy; $199
A low-stress blood-pressure tracker
Monitoring blood pressure for cardio health at home can be stressful, what with the cuff and all. Skip that and opt for Omron’s HeartGuide, the first FDA-cleared BP gauge packed right into a smartwatch.
Raise to heart level, press a button, feel mild inflation on wrist, and in 30 seconds, see vital readings. It tracks steps, calories burned, and sleep patterns; also displays call, text, and email notifications.
Available from Omronhealthcare.com; $499
Designer elegance hits the smartwatch
It was only a matter of time before some designer label would bring a new look to wrist-tech bling. Kate Spade’s Scallop Smartwatch 2 (model 1 sold out instantly) comes in an assortment of case colors and can coordinate its face to any outfit at the touch of a button.
Brainy innards include GPS sensor, heart-rate monitor, and mobile-payment options.
Available at Amazon; $295
The most flexible communicator
Anyone drawn to a category-bending mashup of smartwatch and smartphone, accented by a conversation-starting curvy display, should look no further than the Nubia Alpha. It fulfills anyone’s fitness-monitoring expectations, grabs selfies and videos, and can initiate phone calls via Bluetooth or WiFi with the flick of a wrist.
Its first-of-a-kind, vivid, bendable 4” color screen launches it into Futurama territory.
Available at mall.nubia.com; $449
